Sanford police: We'll buy your gun, no questions asked

Buyback set for Feb. 22.

In another sign that Sanford police are ratcheting up their campaign against street violence, the department on Friday announced a gun buyback next week.

The agency will buy any gun – no questions asked – and give the person turning it in a $50 Target gift card.

People taking part don't even need to give their names, according to a department news release, announcing the program.

Officers will buy back the weapons Friday, Feb. 22 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the city's former police headquarters, 815 S. French Ave.

The move comes after nearly a dozen drive-by shootings between rival groups of young men that have left Sanford homes and vehicles riddled with bullet holes, many from semiautomatic weapons fire.

Two weeks ago, the agency announced another initiative designed to cut down on gun violence, a "neighborhood response unit" whose assignment is to target career criminals, gang activity, drug sales and prostitution, the department said.